#charredbranch

Someone had explained that so long as the full moon could be seen, the gathering would progress, but if clouds ever covered the moon, that meant StarClan was unhappy and the gathering would immediately come to a close. Scorch had refrained from voicing the thoughts in her head. 

Now, she glanced up at the moon as it started to rise above the clearing and the crumbling half of the old twoleg nest there. The other Clans were supposed to arrive soon, but so far, there hadn’t been sight or scent of them. 

“This is ridiculous,” Russetfrond said, tail lashing. “Why did we leave so early?” 

Goldenstar stopped her pacing to shake her fur a bit and look his way. “I overestimated how long the trip would take,” she said, “I’m sorry, everyone.” Scorch shuffled awkwardly. Goldenstar had confessed earlier that she wanted to arrive early so that RisingClan would start the gathering in a place of authority, to make things easier when she announced Scorchplume’s joining and the changes she was planning to make. Scorch had been impressed by Goldenstar’s bravery, to be honest, but she hadn’t said so, only promised to be on her best behavior. 

“It’s alright,” Pantherhaze purred reassuringly. “The others shouldn’t be much longer, right?” He looked around as if hoping someone would back him up. 

“They’d better not be,” grumbled Sagetooth. Russetfrond growled in agreement. 

“Patience,” Smokyrose urged gently. “They will come in time.” Sagetooth’s ear twitched but everyone fell silent again and waited quietly for the next several minutes. 

Suddenly, Yarrowshade sat up sharply, ears swiveling, and said, “SkyClan?” Everyone turned their attention to the trees where the sounds of cats moving softly started to drift towards their ears. Scorch took a deep breath and gave her fur a few quick licks. Moment of truth, she thought. 

A white she-cat with grey ears and paws led a small party of cats out of the trees and into the clearing. Goldenstar raised her tail to greet them and started talking brightly with the cat, who she called Snowstar. Scorch sat quietly beside Yarrowshade and listened as the two groups began to mingle. Sagetooth asked a fluffy white and brown tom about someone named Tangletooth and was told he had stayed home due to body aches. Smokyrose greeted a young ginger tom named Robinpaw and asked about a scar. Russetfrond and Pantherhaze spoke with a grey speckled tabby about the rain. Scorch did her best to memorize names and details and tones of voice, to gather who was safe and who was a threat and who would be easy to persuade. 

Yarrowshade stood as a white tom with a black striped rear approached him, and Scorch’s attention was pulled closer when he called, “Charredbranch! How y’doin, man?” 

“Good,” Charredbranch said, distractedly. Scorch watched him looking her over and she curled her tail tightly around her paws as if to shield herself from his eyes, “who is this?” She picked up on the interest in his voice and resisted the urge to scoff. 

“This is Scorchplume,” Yarrowshade purred, his tail curling around her shoulders. “I found her on the thunderpath a while back and she decided to stick around.” 

Charredbranch tilted his head and smiled at her. “Scorchplume, what a lovely name.” 

“You flatter me, sir,” she purred smoothly with a cool stare and a grin. 

“Sir?” he mused with a laugh, “Wow, she’s a charmer too! It’s a shame you didn’t join SkyClan, I would have liked to get to know you better.” Yarrowshade laughed a bit, but Scorch picked up on some tension in the tail end of the sound. 

“Alright, man, ease off,” he said, “you’ll make Greyvoice jealous.” 

“Eh, she’s not here tonight,” shrugged Charredbranch, settling down. “What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.” 

“How is she?” Yarrowshade asked, finally twitching his tail off of Scorch’s back as he sat down too. 

“She’s good,” shrugged Charredbranch. The conversation moved on casually and Scorch was happy to let them change the subject, content to let herself slip into the periphery. After a while, another group of cats entered the clearing, led by a rosetted blue tom with sharp green eyes. Charredbranch perked his ears in that direction. 

“I’m gonna go say hi to Blizzardmoon,” he said to Yarrowshade, “you wanna come?” 

“Nah, I’m good,” smiled Yarrowshade. “See ya ‘round.” 

“Sure thing,” said Charredbranch, and then he dipped his head to Scorch and said, “It was good to meet you, Scorchplume.” 

“Likewise,” she smiled back and he took his leave. Yarrowshade watched him go and then leaned in to Scorch’s ear. 

“Sorry about him,” he mumbled so that Charredbranch couldn’t hear. 

“What for?” she asked, shifting her eyes but not her head in his direction. 

Yarrowshade faltered a bit. “For being such a meathead?” he said as if it were obvious. 

“Oh, was he?” she said dismissively, one ear flicking. “I guess it takes one to know one.” 

He rolled his eyes and shoved her a little, causing her to chuckle wryly. “Oh, come on, I’m not that bad.” 

“Sure,” she raised a brow skeptically. “You sound exactly like that when you talk to Nightfrost.” 

Yarrowshade winced. “Do I really?” 

“A bit,” Scorch nodded. 

“Well, at least I didn’t flirt with you when we first met. He shouldn’t have talked to you like that.” 

“Honestly, Yarrowshade, it’s fine,” she huffed, starting to get annoyed. “It’s not like I haven’t been ogled before. I know how to take care of myself.” Her tail twitched as she looked out over the clearing. “He wasn’t even persistent or anything.” 

Yarrowshade frowned but fell quiet. Scorch almost felt more irritated by it. Was he pitying her? She huffed through her nose and turned to watch Goldenstar climbing up the ruins of the twoleg nest after the blue rosetted tom who had just entered. She had a feeling Goldenstar wasn’t happy that he beat her there. 

Shortly after that, the third and (to her understanding) final group of cats arrived, led by a fluffy ginger she-cat. Scorch was surprised to see a pair of older kittens among the group, a russet tom and a white she-cat with a ginger splotched tail. She flicked her tail to get Yarrowshade’s attention and then nodded in their direction.

“You bring kits to these gatherings?” she asked.

He brightened at the sight of them. “Those must be new apprentices!” He said, “They’ve got to be at least six moons old to attend a gathering. By the looks of it, those are Furrowleap’s kits.” He pointed at the speckled brown tom hovering over them and introducing them to a SkyClan cat. 

“Hm,” Scorch said simply, intrigued. She supposed she had been younger when she started taking care of herself, so it wasn’t that strange, but something about it being formalized made her pelt prickle. The ginger cat who had led the others in, bounded quickly to join the other leaders on top of the mossy ruins, and shortly after Goldenstar stood and raised her tail with a yowl, drawing everyone’s attention. 

“Welcome, everyone!” she called as chatter faded and everyone settled down to listen. “I’d like to start the gathering off by introducing a new member of RisingClan.” Scorch took a deep breath and made sure to adjust her posture to something more regal before everyone turned their eyes on her. “Our new warrior, Scorchplume, has joined our ranks along with a new healer named Oddstripe, who stayed home with their newborn kits tonight.” Everyone began to murmur immediately. Scorch cast her gaze around cooly, challenging anyone to stare. Many cats did. 

Goldenstar continued after a moment, “Both cats came seeking our aid and, after spending some time among the Clan, decided to stay. Furthermore, Scorchplume has brought some concerns to my attention that I have been trying to address in RisingClan and that I would urge you all to consider as well.” The crowd rippled apprehensively, even the leaders shifting on top of their perch, and Scorch braced herself. Goldenstar definitely wasn’t the most effective speaker. Still, she admitted, this was a difficult topic to begin with. 

“I have come to believe that the Clans need to change,” said Goldenstar, retaining her composure for the moment. “For too long we have made the thought of life outside the Clans a terrifying fate worse than death. We have-” 

“It is!” cried a cat from below, and a few cats hissed in agreement. Some laughed.

Goldenstar spoke louder and firmer, “We have pushed away cats that could have strengthened us and disparaged those who find their paths leading them away from the Clans!” Several cats booed and hissed. Beside Scorch, Yarrowshade’s muscles tensed and shifted expectantly. 

“Goldenstar,” said the blue tom next to her, “listen to what you’re saying. Are you really so weak to have let this stranger upend your Clan on a whim?” Scorch felt eyes turning on her and she glared back at a few of them. 

“I’m not letting anyone upend my Clan,” Goldenstar retorted, ears pinning back. “I’m listening to feedback and trying to be more compassionate and open minded! This isn’t a spur of the moment decision, I’ve spent weeks thinking about this, I even spoke to Sunstar about it!” Of course, there was that appeal to StarClan. It seemed effective though, causing confused murmurs in the crowd. 

“From now on,” Goldenstar continued, pressing her advantage, “cats joining RisingClan are no longer required to change their names or renounce their old lives. Any cat who wishes to leave is free to do so and will be welcomed back at any time. Even strangers passing through, if they bear no ill will, are welcome in my camp.” 

“Next you’ll be eating out of twoleg’s paws and purring at their feet!” shouted a white and grey tabby she-cat and a few of her clanmates nodded. Goldenstar bristled, and Scorch realized quickly that she didn’t have a good way to respond. A vision of the gathering spiraling out of control flashed before Scorch’s eyes, of Goldenstar being shamed and disgraced. Before she could think better of it, Scorch found herself lifting her tail and speaking. 

“It sounds to me like you would rather cling to your traditions even as they fail you than admit someone somewhere might possibly know something you don’t.” Her voice was clear and strong and cut through the chatter. All eyes turned in her direction. 

The cat who had just spoken rounded on her and stood, tail brushing up furiously. “You have no right to speak here!” she hissed.

Scorch laughed. “I’m a full and respected member of RisingClan. I have just as much right to speak here as any of you.” 

“You’re no warrior,” the cat hissed, lashing her tail and stepping closer. Scorch tensed, anticipating a fight. “You’re nothing but a pitiable stray!” 

Scorch stood and took a step towards her, narrowing her eyes coldly. “Really?” She laughed again, harsher this time. “I’ve fought for every scrap of food I’ve ever had. I’ve seen more and done more than you could imagine. I was attacked by a monster and survived! You?” She scoffed and looked the young warrior up and down dismissively. “You look like you’ve barely grown into your paws.” Beside her, Yarrowshade couldn’t help but laugh and she even heard a few tense laughs or sympathetic winces throughout the crowd. The cat clearly grit her teeth in white hot embarrassment and rage and Scorch grinned smugly. 

“Watch your mouth, stray,” hissed the cat, taking another step forward.

Suddenly, a voice from atop the ruins boomed, “Tumblefang! There is no fighting at the gathering.” Both the she-cat, Tumblefang it seemed, and Scorch looked up to see Snowstar glaring down at them. Tumblefang growled lowly but sat back down, shoulders hunched. 

Scorch bowed her head deeply and said, “My apologies, Snowstar. Don’t be too hard on her. I should have known better than to respond to such a childish outburst.” Yarrowshade chuckled again and Scorch sat down smoothly, a confident smile on her face. She glanced at Goldenstar who seemed to be trying very hard not to grin. 

Snowstar nodded regally and asked, “Is there anything other news you’d like to share, Goldenstar?” 

“No,” said Goldenstar, “I think I’ve said enough for now. Although I would urge any leaders or mediators to visit if they want to know more.” She sat down and folded her tail over her paws. 

“Alright,” Snowstar nodded again. “I would like to share that Robinpaw has finished his training and been given the name Robinswoop.” 

The gathering didn’t last much longer. As they left, she could tell that cats were watching her and made sure to be the picture of grace and composure. Regardless, she could tell Sagetooth was not happy. Oh well, she thought. As a priest of this StarClan faith, she was probably never going to be very fond of Scorch and her new way of doing things.

Goldenstar bumped up into her with a purr. “Wow, you were amazing. Thanks for saving my hide there.” 

“Of course, your excellence,” Scorch purred. “It was honestly very satisfying.” 

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a cat put someone in their place that effectively,” Yarrowshade laughed. “And without a single threat? You have a gift!” 

“I know,” purred Scorch. Goldenstar and Yarrowshade laughed. She continued, “Do you think there will be consequences for your announcement? Cats seemed pretty upset.”

While Sagetooth didn’t seem to appreciate the comment on her age, she didn’t say much. Both she and Goldenstar spent the majority of the trip panting and focusing on their paws so as not to slip or fall. Goldenstar marveled at the ease with which the SkyClan cats made the climb. Robinpaw didn’t even look at his paws for most of it, eyes trained on the skies, likely searching for that Eagle he had mentioned. 

They paused for a rest every hour or so, during which time Goldenstar was left with nothing to think about aside from her rumbling stomach. The fasting was intended to make it easier for the spirit to leave the body and travel to StarClan in dreaming, but she couldn’t help but watch the birds further down the slope and dream of chasing them down. Mouth watering, she decided she officially didn’t like fasting. 

Sometime around noon, the group reached the mouth of the cave they were here to enter. It wasn’t much more than two tail lengths tall, made of smooth dark stone that twisted and tunneled deeper into the mountain. 

“Here we are,” Charredbranch said, doing a quick glance for hawks or eagles. “We’ll be hunting in the area and swing back around when we’re done. Hopefully we’ll have enough to spare a meal for you when you get out.” 

“That would be lovely,” Goldenstar laughed hungrily. “Good luck. We shouldn’t be too long.” 

Sagetooth, already heading down the tunnel, called back, “Come on, we’re not here for small talk!” 

“Right, coming!” Goldenstar called after her. Charredbranch gave her a sympathetic smile and she grinned back before bounding to catch up with Sagetooth. 

They padded through the tunnel for a good long while, their paw pads making only the slightest of noise on the cool stone floor. Soon the light from outside was obscured by the twists and turns of the tunnels and they were plunged into darkness. Using their whiskers to navigate, they didn’t speak as they ventured deeper, the path slowly sloping downward. Just like the only other time she had been here, Goldenstar’s pelt prickled uneasily. It felt to her like all kinds of ghosts could creep up on them or spy from the darkness. Shuddering, she decided to strike up a conversation. 

“What do you think StarClan will say?” she asked softly. Even in her attempt to make some noise, it felt wrong to talk at full volume in such hallowed passages. 

“StarClan?” Sagetooth mused, “I doubt they’ll like it. But I know at least Sunstar will hear you out.” 

“Good,” Goldenstar nodded to herself - it wasn’t like Sagetooth could see the gesture, “She’s the only one I really want to talk to.” Sagetooth grunted but didn’t continue the conversation. With a sigh, Goldenstar resigned herself to eerie silence. 

After a while - a few minutes? Half an hour? More? It was hard to tell - her ears picked up on the sound of rushing and dripping water ahead. The sound grew louder and louder as the tunnel became thinner and shorter, squeezing down around them until she had to duck and follow behind Sagetooth single file. Still, hope bloomed in her chest as a soft blue glow started to reflect off the ridges of the smooth stone tunnels. Eventually, the light was just up ahead. The tunnel opened up into a grand chamber. Sagetooth padded down the stony bank ahead of them to the edge of a flowing river that emerged out of the rock and disappeared back into it a few meters later. Goldenstar stepped out of the tunnel and looked up, still in awe of the sight that gave the river its name. 

On the roof of the cave was a spread of vibrantly glowing blue dots. They clung to the ceiling, crept down the walls, and reflected off of the dark surface of the river. Goldenstar felt like stepping into that water would cause you to be swallowed by the night sky itself. She slipped out of the tunnel and settled down beside the already loafing Sagetooth. 

“Well, I’ll see you on the other side,” said the healer. She bowed her head to take a drink from the pool and Goldenstar did the same. Greedily, she lapped at the cool, stony tasting water, her empty stomach begging for anything to fill it. She forced herself to stop after a few heavy gulps and pulled back, curling into a ball against Sagetooth’s flank. She closed her eyes, took a few slow, deep breaths, and let the peace of the location take her into the depths of dreaming. 

~~~

Goldenstar sat up suddenly, surrounded by gently swaying dark blue grass. Everything around her seemed to glow with a gentle luminosity. Everything was peacefully quiet, the sound of birds singing being the only real noise. It was interesting. Last time she had been here, she had been surrounded by every cat she’d ever seen die, friends she had lost, the center of a throng of familiar faces. Now she seemed to be… alone. She sat up taller, peering over the grass and frowned. 

“Hello?” she called cautiously. “Sagetooth…? Sunstar?”

No response. She stood, stretched, and looked around a bit. The place was a mirror image of RisingClan’s territory, and she knew exactly the spot she found herself in. Smiling, she took off towards the little tree near the border that Sunstar used to go to relax. She arrived shortly and, sure enough, there was Sunstar, lounging in its branches. 

“Sunstar!” she trilled, picking up her pace to bound the last through meters. 

“Goldensun!” purred the starry cat, lifting her head, “Or well, Goldenstar, I should say. What brings you to my neck of the woods?” 

“I need some advice,” Goldenstar said. She bunched her legs underneath her and sprang up into the tree to join her former mentor. 

“Well, I’ll do my best,” chuckled Sunstar, “But you really ought to learn to run the Clan without me.” 

Goldenstar smiled fondly. “I promise, I’ll give you a rest after this. How much do you… see? Like do you keep eyes on us?” 

“A little bit. I could see more but I’ve mostly been enjoying the peaceful season in paradise.” 

“Have you seen our guest?” 

“The rogue,” Sunstar nodded knowingly. “I had to get a peek. Everyone is talking about her.” 

“That figures,” Goldenstar chuckled, “Smokyrose has helped her bring some concerns to me, things that worry her about Clan life.” Sunstar’s face softened at the mention of her sister but she pulled it into something more serious as Goldenstar continued. “I can tell she needs a home, that she’s… like a stranger in her own life. She seems to think I’m some tyrant who will punish her if she steps a whisker out of line. She called me ‘your excellence.’” 

Sunstar laughed a bit. “I see. Interesting. So you want her to join the Clan.” Goldenstar grinned. Of course, her old mentor and closest confidant knew exactly what she was thinking.

“Yeah, but she has a few worries about the way we do things. And now that she’s pointed them out, I can’t stop seeing them.” 

“Like what?” 

“Well… Mainly, she thinks the Clan is designed to keep cats inside it, like to not allow them to leave.” 

“Well, Is it?” asked Sunstar, and Goldenstar was taken aback by the question. 

“Of course not,” she said instinctively, then, knowing what Sunstar would likely say, added, “or… at least I don’t want it to be.” 

“There you go. So again, I’m gonna ask you, do you think it is designed that way?” 

Goldenstar sighed. “Maybe. I don’t know. I’d like to think cats could leave any time they wanted but… she says they don’t even know they can’t leave most of the time. Or that they can leave, but if they do they get judged or… shunned. And… I mean, I hate to say it, but I think she’s right. I mean think about someone like Redleaf.” Sunstar frowned and nodded and Goldenstar continued. “My question is; what do I do about it?” 

“Hmm. A good question,” Sunstar ran her tongue over her forearm thoughtfully, then passed it over one ear. “But I think you already know the answer.” 

Goldenstar groaned in frustration. “Everyone keeps saying that!” 

“Are they wrong?” 

“I don’t know!” she cried, tail lashing. “I don’t feel like I know what to do! I can’t just… start changing things, I-”

“Why not?” asked Sunstar, stopping Goldenstar in her tracks.

“What do you mean, ‘why not?’” she starred, baffled. 

“Why not?” repeated Sunstar, firmer this time. “You are Goldenstar of RisingClan! You are one of the most powerful cats living in this territory, not to mention the most stubborn, headstrong, passionate cat I know.” Goldenstar blushed a bit under the praise, even if she was upset. “All you have to do is decide to change things and you can! It sounds like Smokyrose is already on your side, and she’s an excellent mediator and a perfect cat to help you through this.” 

Goldenstar sighed and shook her head. “Why do you always have to be right?”